Manchester United vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result as hosts lose at Old Trafford again
Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace: Ruben Amorim’s experiment failed as the Eagles won at Old Trafford for the second season in a row
Manchester United spectacularly failed to win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time under Ruben Amorim as Crystal Palace secured an away victory at Old Trafford for the second season in a row thanks to a second-half double from Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Mateta pounced from two yards after Maxence Lacroix struck the crossbar with a header from Eberechi Eze’s free-kick, and the Frenchman doubled Palace’s lead in the 90th minute as Daniel Munoz squared to him for a simple finish after a swift counter-attack
It earned the Eagles a third win over United in their last four games and the result also took Oliver Glasner’s side into 12th, above United in the table.
Amorim experimented with a striker-less line-up, benching both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, as Kobbie Mainoo led the line. Although United started brightly, with Mainoo hitting the post, the plan did not work and Palace grew into the game.
Mateta, who went close in the first half when Andre Onana got a hand to his chip past the post, proved to be the central presence for Palace that United lacked and was in the right place to tap in from two yards after Lacroix’s header hit the crossbar.
United were rocked by the sight of Lisandro Martinez being stretchered off after appearing to twist his knee, before Mateta doubled Palace’s lead to the delight of the away fans in the corner of Old Trafford. Follow all the reaction and re-live the action below
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
9 mins: Chance! Crystal Palace’s wing-backs combine as Mitchell swings in a cross and finds Munoz arriving at the back post. He gets a good connection on the header but it sails just over the top corner! Palace’s best moment so far. Martinez was beaten by Munoz at the back post.
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
6 mins: POST! Almost a goal for the false nine! It’s been a bright start from Mainoo and he links up with Amad to run towards the Palace box. A bobbled shot almost creeps in past Henderson, but strikes the post!
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
4 mins: Chance! Nice play from United as Mazraoui gets high up the pitch. It’s worked into Mainoo and he looks to pull it back to Garnacho. His shot is blocked behind for a corner as Garnacho looked for the near post!
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
3 mins: Fernandes is penalised for a slight tug on Lerma. There is bright sunshine on the pitch at Old Trafford. Indeed, as Richard Jolly points out, Mainoo is leading the United line, with Amad right and Garnacho left. Fernandes is behind, alongside Ugarte.
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
1 min: We have the strange sight of Kobbie Mainoo starting as United's centre-forward. It was unexpected, even in the context of this team selection. Perhaps the intention is that he will prove more of a false nine. It still seems bizarre.
KICK-OFF! Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace
We are underway at Old Trafford - both teams are also wearing black armbands.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace
Ruben Amorim and Oliver Glasner have laid commemorative wreaths in front of the dugouts ahead of kick-off.
The teams will also join together in the centre-circle before we kick off at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim to play false 9 against Crystal Palace
Ruben Amorim, speaking to the Premier League, about his decision to play a striker-less team against Crystal Palace.
He says his forwards will “try to play in different positions, to create some danger”.
“We also want to improve the way we take the game in the last third - we need to have more possession,” Amorim says.
Eberechi Eze surprises Crystal Palace by making the bench
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted he is “surprised” to see Eberechi Eze make the bench despite struggling with a foot issue.
“It looked like he was not available, but surprisingly for all of us he could train yesterday and he felt OK.
"It is very positive as he didn't train all week, it's not possible for him to start, but he is ready to contribute.
"He gives us a good option from the bench."
Manchester United remembers Munich Air Disaster
Manchester United remembered the Munich Air Disaster ahead of the 67th anniversary on Thursday. As the closest match match to the 6 February date, United have come together to remember the 23 lives lost in the 1958 disaster, which included eight United players and three officials.
This is Ruben Amorim’s first anniversary of the disaster since taking charge and the Portuguese head coach had this to say on the importance of remembering the lives lost.
Amorim wrote in his programme notes: “When I first arrived at Manchester United in November, one of the first things I did was take a tour of Old Trafford so I could learn more about the club’s history.
“I had heard about the Munich Air Disaster, but in taking that tour and really absorbing the details of the tragedy and how the club reacted afterwards, I started to understand how special this club really is.
“Today, because we are in a difficult season, it feels like there is so much pressure on us, but when you look back at how the club responded to such a devastating event in 1958, we have it easy in comparison.
“That’s why it is so important to keep honouring the memory of Munich, as we mark our closest home game to the 67th anniversary of the disaster next Thursday.
“If you come here, you know you are joining a club with a history of winning, but it is more than that. More than trophies and success, there is a history of spirit and determination. There is a strength in this club that I think is unique. Every day, we need to show that strength.”
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